April 15, 2013

6 Doom Bands From Ireland

Ireland is a country known for many great contributions to music. From the legendary Thin Lizzy to the up and coming Black Metal band Altar of Plagues. Well it appears a new generation of Irish metal heads have set their sights on the genre of DOOM.

First up is Belfast’s Nomadic Rituals and their demo DFWG, which I assume Stands for Don’t Fuck With Giants. It is the title of the first song and an aptly titled song at that. Because the sound of giants walking is what it sounds like. Heavy riffing over mid-paced tempos. The production is raw, adding a sinister element to the demo. Vocals are a mix of banshee wails and throaty grumblings. Like a rawer Conan.

[Go to the post to view the Bandcamp player]

Next comes Abbotoir. One song of pure Funeral Doom. Clocking in at a tad over 18 minutes in length, they are in no hurry. The occasional mid paced double bass drumming breaks up the droning guitars from time to time. The vocals have a great echoing effect on them adding to the overall dark feel of the song. As it says on their bandcamp, Recorded demonstration of sonic malevolence. Agreed.

[Go to the post to view the Bandcamp player]

Tome add a dash of Sludge to their DOOM. Sloppy heavy guitars over plodding drums. Like wading through syrup. Vocals are guttural shouts. With the second track they pick up the pace a bit... but not much. Production is nice on this one. The only down side is there are only two songs. Would love to hear more from these guy. My favorite of the bunch.

[Go to the post to view the Bandcamp player]

Íweriú are up next to really mix things up. They play a brand of DOOM that blends in Industrial, Noise, and Post-Black Metal elements. Each song is over the ten minute mark and each is journey deeper into a very dark place. With all the instruments and layers of samples the songs can feel suffocating and confining. Vocals are distorted screams. Reminds me a bit of Batillus. These guys are really looking to stretch the boundaries of DOOM. Not for the faint of heart.

[Go to the post to view the Bandcamp player]

On to Weed Priest (can’t have a DOOM scene without at least one band with the word Weed in it). Weed Priest add Stoner to their DOOM. Right out of the gate the first song is low and slow. The production is great on this album. Heavy without being overbearing and mixed just right, so all things are heard clearly. Vocals are gruff throaty shouts. Fans of Electric Wizard style Stoner/DOOM, this is for you.

[Go to the post to view the Bandcamp player]

Last, but certainly not least, is Venus Sleeps. A one man DOOM band. First song starts off like so many in this genre, but then soon changes pace into an almost Gothic Rock feel. No oppressive guitars here. Just solid riffs and huge leads. Vocals are sung and have the feel of the legendary Bobby Liebling. In fact the music itself is a interesting mix of early Pentagram with a subtle gothic feel. The second song though brings the DOOM! Just a great slow and low riff with his Liebling-esque vocals over the top. Paul Chain is another DOOM legend that comes to mind when listening.

[Go to the post to view the Bandcamp player]

Not a stinker in the bunch. Amazing that this many bands can come from virtually the same scene and each have a sound all their own. If these bands are any indication of the future of what Ireland has to offer by way of DOOM. Then the future is bright.

A thanks to the people at MetalIreland.com and writer Andy Cunningham for their in depth story that inspired me to check out these great bands. Read it won’t you. The interviews with each band will give you more insight into what inspires these up and coming bands.

Interesting write up and good attention to another area of the world. Although, I would like to comment that the world simply does not need more Doom, as it is a drenched and saturated genre. It would be better that most jump from this wagon into the abyss. Trendies must die!